Howard K. Blackman

Howard “Blackie” K. Blackman, 91, of Headlee passed away at 3:07 p.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born on December 8, 1922 in Pulaski County, he was the son of the late Ottis and Xenclea (Harriett) Blackman.  On December 8, 1948 he married Wilma Martin, she survives.

Blackie was a WWII U.S. Army veteran serving in France, Belgium and Holland.

He was a heavy equipment operator retiring in 1987 from Deichman Excavating and he was a member of the Operator of Engineers Local #103.  After retirement, Blackie formerly owned and operated Blackman Excavating for over 30 years.

Blackie was also a member of White Oak United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 81 in Monticello and he was 50 year member of the Royal Center Masonic Lodge.  His main hobby was “always working” but he also enjoyed fox and coon hunting, fishing, square dancing and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s school sporting events.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Wilma Blackman of Headlee, his children, Terry Blackman, Tom Blackman (Cindy) all of near Headlee, Ron Blackman (Cindy) of Logansport and Jeannie Knauff (Vince) of Denver, grandchildren,  Rob Blackman (Stephanie)  of Zionsville, Ryan Blackman of Idaville, Ricki Westerhouse (Matt) of Buffalo, Rhiana Lavender (Joe) of Star City, Gracie Byroad (Danny) of Star City, Mason Blackman (Lindsey) of Pulaski, Melissa Hoover of Francesville, Chantel Crawn (Jeremy) of Idaville, Tasha Blackman of Indianapolis and Chad Haselby (Christy) of Silver Lake.  He is also survived by 28 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by daughter in law, Donna Baker Blackman, sisters, Winafred Helvie, Genevieve Brandt, Helen Huddleston and Mabel Hilgeman, brothers, George Blackman, Bill Blackman, Burl Blackman, Don Blackman and Harry Blackman, 1 infant granddaughter and 2 infant great granddaughters.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 1, 2014 at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center Chapel with Pastor Adam Speicher officiating.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, August 31, 2014 at the funeral home and also one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Burial with Military Rites will be performed at Pro Cemetery near Headlee.

Memorial contributions may be made to White Oak United Methodist Church.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Blackman family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com .